Ericsson Media Solutions announces MediaKind rebrand

Ericsson has launched MediaKind, a new identity for its Media Solutions business.

The new brand was unveiled today through a series of events and a live global webcast, which was streamed to 20 cities around the world.

MediaKind’s aim is to be the first choice for service providers, operators, content owners and broadcasters looking to create and deliver immersive media experiences.

MediaKind currently serves over 900 cable, satellite, telecom service providers and broadcasters worldwide. Its video delivery solutions include video compression solutions for contribution and direct-to-consumer video service distribution, advertising and content personalisation solutions, high efficiency cloud DVR, and TV and video delivery platforms.

The business is already serving 18 million pay-TV subscribers in 26 countries, its media delivery is in one billion homes globally, and it processes three million video assets daily with 200 petabytes of time-shifted storage.

Earlier this year it was announced that private equity firm One Equity Partners is set to become the majority owner of Ericsson Media Solutions. The MediaKind brand will be carried forward when the transaction between One Equity Partners and Ericsson is completed.

MediaKind’s global management team, formed of TV, Telco and media experts and led by CEO Angel Ruiz, has also been announced.

“We are uniquely positioned to help shape and lead the future of global media technology,” said Ruiz. “Our award-winning technologies, established industry heritage and forward-thinking experts equip organisations with the end-to-end technology solutions needed to embrace media of all kinds.”

Arun Bhikshesvaran, chief marketing officer, MediaKind added: “We have the right technologies, an outstanding team and deep media know-how – a combination that will enable us to provide the leadership our customers need during a period of great transformation to a new multi-screen, on-demand and immersive world of entertainment.”

Speaking at the London launch event, Bhikshesvaran said: "This is what we live and breathe, it is in our DNA."

Technology, media and telecoms analyst Paolo Pescatore also offered his thoughts on the move:

“Finally, the unit can get on it with business. This represents a new start and it must deliver. No more second chances. Arguably, the unit should be well placed to exploit the opportunities in convergence underpinned by the growing demand of video usage. The equity firm can ensure a commercially minded focus, while it can still rely on Ericsson’s vast technical expertise and huge connections to thrive.

“There will be obstacles that it still needs to overcome, in particular regaining trust among existing and new customers," he continued. "The new brand and future plans will go some way to restore confidence and rebuild credibility with the burgeoning media and telco industries.”